Seafair

“We started with our backs against the wall, face forward, knocking each other down. All we had was time, sweet precious time.”

Making music has never been easy, but it’s the struggle of creation is what makes life worthwhile. As Seafair chant the lyrics of “Endeavour” in unison at the close of every show, the crowd joins in, acknowledging the collective weight of history that draws these punks and classical musicians together in the tireless pursuit of something greater than themselves.

Since 2012, Seafair have chased a sound with vocalist Chayla Hope at its epicenter. Conjuring Chrissie Hynde and Janis Joplin, she is flanked by the melodic fretwork of Michael Flaherty on guitar and Joshua Riehl on bass. Ryan Kelly’s roaring drums lay the group’s sturdy sonic foundation, while Andrea Belding-Elson’s violin and Tara Hanish’s cello shape a lush, orchestral ebb and flow reminiscent of Arcade Fire and Muse.

The band’s debut EPs, Paintings and Photographs, were released in 2013 to immediate local acclaim, with Emmet Smith, formerly of the Plain Dealer, lauding that the group’s rich sound "commands your attention."

And command the attention of the music industry they have. With the release of The Querencia, Seafair was named Cleveland Scene Magazine's Best Band of 2015. Their work with Fusion Filmworks and Downtown Cleveland Alliance has won them an Emmy and several ADDY awards. They have conquered festival stages from Chicago to Denver to SXSW and sold out Cleveland’s House of Blues accompanied by a 34-piece orchestra.

After a brief hiatus, Seafair are back and hungrier than ever to catch the elusive sound that binds them together.

Everyone's invited to join in.